Inside the Phillies with MLB.com beat writer Todd Zolecki

The Race Is On: Part II

Kyle Kendrick still has to make his first start since Rich Dubee announced the race is on for the fifth spot in the Phillies rotation. But first impressions are that Chan Ho Park and J.A. Happ have taken the early lead with Kendrick and Carlos Carrasco behind them.

Carrasco allowed six hits and five runs (three earned runs) in two innings today in a 7-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Champion Field. Carrasco is 1-1 with a 7.71 ERA in three Grapefruit League appearances.

Carrasco seems to be showing his inexperience. He didn’t trust his curveball in his previous start last Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Dunedin Stadium. He didn’t trust his fastball today against the Braves. Carrasco’s fastball hovered around 90 to 91 mph when Dubee visited him on the mound. Dubee told Carrasco that it looked like he didn’t trust his fastball.

But can Carrasco grow up fast enough to win this job? Entering spring training, I thought Carrasco would have to blow away Park, Happ and Kendrick to earn the final spot in the rotation. Why? Because he’s just 21 and the Phillies wouldn’t consider it a tragedy to have him gain more experience in triple-A Lehigh Valley. Park and Happ are off to good starts, and Kendrick has a chance to redeem himself after he lost his cool Thursday against Team USA. There is still plenty of time for Carrasco to dazzle, but so far Park and Happ have looked the best.

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

5 Comments

Kendrick doesn’t have the equal of Happ’s stuff and confidence, and I never considered the other two as legitimate candidates unless they just completely blew everybody else away. I feel kind of bad for Park because I think he’s destined for the ‘pen no matter what.

Im not so sure the Phils would want 3 lefties in the starting rotation though. I think Happ is great, and its gonna come down to him and Park. The Phils need a lefty in the pen, so as long as Park doesnt implode, I think he’ll get the #5 spot and Happ goes to the pen. I hope Happ wins the #5 spot and excells!!

I guess we have to wait and see how Kendrick does on his next outing. Each of the 3 top contenders: Happ, Park & Kendrick are all great options for the 5th spot. Park of course would be a nice addition to the pen since he’s been a reliever before.

I must say its really kinda reassuring that the Phils for the most part have such a set team of players and we’re not worried about key positions (behind Utley & Feliz recooperating).

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.